Ecosystems are changing in a way that cannot be reversed, transforming into human-made "freakosystems" in which native and non-native species live together. According to a 2024 study, these novel ecosystems could make up over 80% of the land surface by 2300.

What are freakosystems?
These "autonomous" and "wild" ecosystems "deviate from natural baselines because of human activities," said Jens-Christian Svenning, an ecologist and professor at Denmark's Aarhus University, to the BBC. They may "contain combinations of species never before seen in history, with some native species living alongside other species introduced by humans beyond their historically recorded ranges or driven into new locations by climate change." 

Hawaii is a prime example. The isolated nature of the state makes it a "petri dish for the emergence of unique species," said the BBC. Due to human influence, "we have lost about 100 different plant species" and "60% of our bird species," Corey Tarwater, an associate professor and ecologist at the University of Wyoming, said to USA Today. But there's still a thriving ecosystem there. 

Hawaiian wildlife "developed a level of organization typically present in stable ecosystems that have evolved together for millennia" — a freakosystem, said The Carbon Almanac. The state's tropical forests are now a "tapestry of non-native species introduced from every corner of the planet: Brazilian peppertree, Indonesian cinnamon and roseleaf bramble from the Himalayas and Australia," said the BBC.

What does this mean for the future?
Hawaii is not the only place to observe novel ecosystems. One estimate posits that "about 30% to 40% of our terrestrial land masses is already considered a novel ecosystem," said Tarwater. 

While freakosystems require human influence to start, they have "grown to become self-sustaining and do not rely on human management," said The Carbon Almanac. "Many of the non-native species have become deeply integrated into the ecosystems, with some even evolving traits to better fit the area that they invaded." 

Freakosystems pose a challenge for ecologists and conservationists, who are now "forced to reevaluate strategies for preserving native species and restoring ecosystems," said The Carbon Almanac. Non-native species, especially those that are invasive, have long been a target of conservation efforts because they can potentially damage ecosystems. But novel ecosystems are painting a different picture. 

Soho House has made an "ambitious move" to get its "mojo back", striking a $2.7 billion takeover deal to take the international members' club private after four years listed on the New York Stock Exchange, said The Telegraph. The takeover, by one of the largest hotel operators in the U.S., could help the company become the "playground of the rich and famous" once again. 

'Global empire' 
Nick Jones opened the first Soho House three decades ago on London's Greek Street, envisioning a "networking destination for 'creatives,'" said the Daily Mail. It has since turned into a "sprawling global empire" with about 200,000 members in 46 venues around the world, including New York, Hong Kong, Mexico City and Paris. 

Membership, which costs about $4,580 for global access, isn't easy to secure. Applicants must be nominated by two existing members and provide a biography detailing their career and interests. 

After the pandemic, the group relaxed its "stringent" membership requirements and "ballooned" in size. But the rapid expansion brought fresh issues as members began complaining about crowded clubhouses and "lackluster service."

Since Soho House was listed in 2021, its share price has plummeted. Last year, New York short seller GlassHouse published a "damning criticism of the company's 'broken business model and terrible accounting.'" The chain, which appointed Andrew Carnie (pictured above) to replace Jones as CEO in 2022, said it "fundamentally rejects" the report. 

A return to form? 
A buyout means the finance crowd, traditionally turned away from the clubhouses, has finally managed to "elbow its way in," said the Financial Times. While MCR Hotels is leading the takeover, a group of existing shareholders, including Jones, will retain their stakes in the company. Actor Ashton Kutcher will also invest and join the new board of directors. 

The "upshot" is that the deal will bring together expert financiers and investors with experience running successful hotels, while keeping "faithful insiders" as part of the journey. But to deliver a solid return, the company will likely need to "find more members, charge existing ones more or spend less on showing them a good time" and "probably all three."

Two residents run across a bridge as the Beas River floods beneath them in Kullu, India. Fueled by heavy monsoon rains pummeling South Asia, the river has surged over its banks in Manali, sweeping away a multistory hotel and four shops.
Aqil Khan / AP

The greatest man-made project in the world stretches across an astonishing 13,170 miles and spans 15 provinces. This architectural wonder is actually a series of walls built during different eras to protect against invasions and raids, running from Shanghai Pass westward to Jiayuguan. Now, it serves as a record of the "ebb and flow" of conflict between the Chinese and "fierce nomadic tribes beyond the wall," like the Huns and Mongols, said Lonely Planet. Here's what you need to know before visiting.

Can you see all of the original wall?
Many parts of the wall are crumbling, have already collapsed or are otherwise inaccessible, but several segments still stand. Travelers typically head to four main sections, with Badaling, 43 miles from downtown Beijing, being the "most accessible for travelers of varying mobility," said Travel and Leisure. This is the best-preserved stretch of the wall, with handrails and stairs that are not as steep. Of the other three sections, Mutianyu is "extremely popular and well-restored," while Jinshanling is perfect for "serious hikers" and Simatai offers a "rugged" experience.

When is the best time to go?
For the best weather, visit during the fall, when the temperatures are comfortable and the foliage is a "kaleidoscopic array of hues," said Travel and Leisure. Those willing to deal with bone-chilling cold and slippery paths can avoid crowds by going to the wall in the winter. The busiest times to visit are during early May, October and major holidays, as the wall is also popular with domestic tourists.